How the Buddhist Religion Evolved
Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.” Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual journey to attain a state of complete enlightenment known as Nirvana. Over time the Buddhist religion has evolved, fractured and adapted as it spread through Asia and eventually the globe. There are three main sects of Buddhism today along with several lesser-known denominations of the religion.
These different Buddhist religions are all united under some core Buddhist principles. In each, the Buddha is considered the spiritual leader. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are core principles and philosophies of the faith. All believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that can be achieved.
The Theravada or “doctrine of the Elders” was established around 300 BC.. This religion centered around the teachings of Buddha and encouraged the sangha (followers) to teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the goal of achieving Buddhahood. Theravada Buddhism gave life to the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist scriptures and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
This discipline of Buddhism originated in India and moved through southeast Asia into Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. As this form of Buddhism was embraced by the indigenous people, the Theravada was adapted to include the religious beliefs of the various regions. It is still practiced in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana broadens the Buddhist scriptures to include other religious philosophies and texts that encourage altruism and the need to live a life of universal compassion. These beliefs are central to their concept of an “Awakened mind.” Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology. This form of Buddhism has divided into two main sects. The version of Buddhism that puts emphasis on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance is called Zen Buddhism. The other form which emphasizes the need for dedication to the Amitabha Buddha in order to reach Nirvana is called Pure Land Buddhism.
Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations. Also known as “tantric Buddhism,” Vajrayana melds the scriptures and text of both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras. A major difference of Vajrayana Buddhism is that it teaches that Buddhahood can be achieved in a single life time without need for reincarnation.
the Path to Enlightenment and Buddhahood is the most significant difference between the various Buddhist disciplines. While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably.
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